Justice Kennedy often served as the tie-breaker between conservatives and liberals on the nine-justice court—his departure may herald one of President Donald Trump’s most influential legacies: a majority of conservatives in the Supreme Court.

Mr Trump has already motioned for Kennedy’s replacement to be Judge Brett Kavanaugh, whose track record includes opposing Obamacare and siding with pro-business interests in regulatory disputes.

Democrat Congressmen will fight hard over the coming months to stall Kavanaugh’s appointment in the hopes that November’s midterm elections will bring some relief. Justice Kavanaugh’s nomination could be tossed out of contention if Democrats win 6 Senate and at least 24 Representative seats to claim a majority in Congress.

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